The extent to which each state reports records to the FBI varies widely. The federal government acknowledges that it’s possible to obtain more accurate information from professional background screeners.

Employers cannot inquire into or run background checks involving criminal history until after the first live interview (including telephone or videoconference) or a conditional offer of employment. Employers cannot seek criminal conviction information on job applicants.

Target Corp. plans to stop asking prospective employees about their criminal records in initial job applications at all of its U.S. stores, mere months after Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed "Ban the Box" legislation, which next year will make it illegal to ask about an applicant's criminal history until he or she has been selected for an interview.

Students living on Texan college campuses may be required to undergo a background check through the state before moving in.

A new survey shows that 69 percent of organizations perform criminal checks on all job candidates, which is lower than a 2010 survey's conclusion of the same criteria – 73 percent.

The bill would have prohibited local governments in California from inquiring into or considering the criminal history of an applicant or including any inquiry about criminal history on any initial employment application. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission approved new rules for employers who use criminal background checks to screen potential employees.